What Do People Do?

Christmas Eve (Wigilia), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (or St Stephen’s Day) are important days that are celebrated in many Polish homes. Christmas preparations begin days before December 25. Houses and apartments are cleaned and adorned with decorations, including a Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas trees are decorated with candles or lights, ornaments made of glass or eggshells, and wrapped treats on December 24.

Many families and friends enjoy getting together for a meal to celebrate the Christmas period. It is customary to break and give the Christmas wafer (oplatek), which is made of flour and water, to loved ones. Santa Claus (Mikolaj) generally does not come on Christmas Eve/Day but appears on December 6, the feast of St Nicholas. Christmas festivities continue on December 26, which is also a day off work in Poland.

Public Life

Christmas Day is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

Background

Many Christians in Poland and around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.

Symbols

There are a number of traditional superstitious beliefs about Christmas. For example, it is believed that sheaves of wheat and rye, hay or straw under tables will bring good crops or fortune. This practice is also a reminder of the modest environment in which Jesus was born in. It is also said that animals could talk at a certain moment during Christmas Eve.

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